Late Show with David Letterman Season 7 Episode 43 Natalie Portman, Travis Pastrana, Ted Alexandro

On this episode of Late Show with David Letterman, David welcomes a diverse lineup of guests: actress Natalie Portman, extreme sports athlete Travis Pastrana, and comedian Ted Alexandro.

First up is Natalie Portman, who discusses her latest film, "Garden State," which she stars in alongside Zach Braff. David asks about her character's unusual name, Sam, and Portman explains that it was an homage to a friend of Braff's who died. The conversation then turns to Portman's experience attending Harvard University, where she studied psychology and neuroscience. David asks if she ever considered becoming a therapist, to which Portman responds with a laugh that acting is similar in that you are "expensive listening." They also touch on Portman's Hebrew name, her childhood in Israel, and her work on the Star Wars prequels.

Next, David welcomes Travis Pastrana, a professional motocross rider and stunt performer. Pastrana talks about his upcoming stunt, which involves jumping out of a plane without a parachute and landing on a net. David asks if he is nervous about the stunt, to which Pastrana responds that he is more nervous about his upcoming wedding than about the stunt. They also discuss Pastrana's career highlights, including his successful attempt to jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and his love of all things extreme.

Finally, David chats with comedian Ted Alexandro, who talks about his background as a teacher in New York City before pursuing comedy full-time. Alexandro jokes about how his former students might react to seeing him on Late Show, and discusses the challenges of being a comedian in a politically charged climate. David and Alexandro also touch on the art of stand-up comedy, with Alexandro sharing his process for writing new material and trying out jokes on audiences.

Throughout the episode, David also delivers his trademark monologue, which includes jokes about current events and pop culture. He also interacts with his band leader, Paul Shaffer, and introduces various skits and segments, such as the "Top Ten List" and "Stupid Pet Tricks." The episode ends with a musical performance by the Foo Fighters.

Overall, this episode of Late Show with David Letterman offers a mix of entertainment and conversation, showcasing the dynamic energy of David and his guests. Whether discussing serious topics or cracking jokes, the show serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of late-night talk shows.